Rodgers-Cromartie signed a one-year $4 million deal with the Broncos last March. Retiring would prevent him from cashing in on what will likely be substantial offers in free agency after a strong season as Denver's starting right cornerback.

But he said the money doesn't matter, not if could leave with a Super Bowl Ring and return to his hometown near Tampa.

What would he do?

"I'd just chill," Rodgers-Cromartie said.

And if the chilling became too boring, he'd like to use the psychology classes he took in college to become a high school guidance counselor.

Despite entering the game as record 27-point favorites, the Broncos couldn't shake free from the Jaguars until the fourth quarter. Manning threw just his second interception of the season and lost two fumbles.

Tom Brady rallied the Patriots from a 24-point deficit to best Manning once again in the storied QB rivalry. Tony Carter ran into a Nate Allen punt in overtime, and New England recovered the fumble and kicked a 31-yard field goal for the win.

The Broncos jumped out to a 31-0 lead in the first half to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Manning broke the NFL's single-season yardage record, but not without controversy regarding whether one of his throws was actually a lateral.